LCC's Electrical Utility Lineworker program offers a specialized degree or certificate for Electrical Utility/Lineworkers. If you enjoy being outdoors, staying fit and working at heights, this program might be the perfect fit for you.
The Lineworker Program involves an additional Lineworker-specific application in addition to LCC’s general admissions application. You must submit an application to be accepted into the program. More information about the Lineworker application and program expectations will be provided at the mandatory information sessions held in February/March. All those interested must attend one of these sessions to be eligible for program consideration. Once you have been If accepted into the program, students complete 13 months of intensive, hands-on training and classroom-based coursework including:
- An initial 2-day summer climbing course
- Two semesters of academic courses
- 9- or 11-week climbing school conducted at a utility training center

This program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair local, long-distance, and rural electric power cables; erect and construct pole lines; and install underground lines and cables. It includes instruction in line installation and repair, trenching, mobile equipment and crane operation, high-voltage installations, maintenance and inspection, safety and applicable codes and standards. Successful completion of this pre-apprenticeship program prepares students to enter Lineworker apprenticeships with utility companies, as well as related fields like telecommunications, traffic signal repair, and more.
WHERE & WHEN:
Courses are offered at LCC's West Campus at times that will fit a variety of schedules, including morning and evening options. Some courses are offered as open labs or online.

Climbing classes, which are NOT flexible scheduling, will be conducted at a utility training facility.
WHY LCC?
- Our training program is developed in partnership with the second-largest electric and gas utility company in Michigan.
- Instruction is provided by certified journey level instructors.
- Government grants and financial aid are accepted for this program.
- You will learn to use the ACTUAL equipment used in the field.
- You will be training with the newest safety equipment.
- The training will prepare you for a career in the utility industry.
Lineworker Program Enrollment
To enroll in this program, prospective students must attend an information session and complete the program's application process in addition to the college's general application process. Upcoming information session dates will be listed below. Those interested in the program should complete the interest form below or email lcc-lineworker@lcc.edu.
How to Apply and Lineworker Program Timeline
How to apply:
- Apply to LCC
Lineworker Program Timeline:
Please use the timeline below as a reference. It will give you an idea of how the program progresses.
November:
Information and session dates sent to prospective students who have signed up on the
mailing list or contacted the Program Coordinator directly.
November-January:
Apply to LCC, establish placement levels complete orientation and fill out your FAFSA form before the mandatory information sessions.
February/March:
Information Session(s) will be held during this time. This is the first step towards
being in LCC’s Electrical Utility Lineworker program. The Information Session will
provide all of the information you will need about the program and about the application
process.
Early-April:
Applications due. An exact date will be given at the information session you attend.
Mid-April:
Applications reviewed and students chosen and notified via your new LCC student email.
Late-April:
Mandatory meetings of accepted students. Fall semester class information given out,
registration help, new student questions, and process discussed for test times sign
up.
Early-May:
Information sent out about Summer class registration.
June:
Mandatory information session for accepted new students to go over expectations, equipment
needed, ranking system, etc.
Late-July/Mid-August:
Pole Climb I - ELTE 181.
Late August:
Fall courses begin.
September-October:
Pole Climbing Practice (Open Climb) – ELTE 185.
Late-October/November:
Pole Climb II - ELTE 182.
January:
Spring courses begins.
March-April:
Registration for LCC’s 9-week Climb School.
Late-May - Mid-July:
1st Climb schools at LCC - ELTE 272/274/276.
Late August- Mid-October:
2nd Climb school at Consumers & LCC - ELTE 272/274/276.
To be added to our mailing list for further updates and reminders, please submit your contact information using our Request for Information form. Allow 3-5 business days for you to receive the email. Questions can also be sent to lcc-lineworker@lcc.edu.* *This timeline does not include Consumers Energy timeline and it’s required course (ELTE 270). This is only offered if Consumers Energy offers optional climb clinics, orientation, and their 11-week climb school. LCC cannot guarantee employment/job placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the program?
The application process is usually 2 months long, and the coursework is about 13 months
long.
What is the typical timeline for the program?
The tentative timeline for the current program can be found on our Lineworker Timeline.
The application period typically occurs through the Spring and coursework begins in
Summer Semester.
How many seats are available in the program?
There are 80 seats available for the School-to-Work program. This is subject to change.
How much does the program cost?
Please see the program's Electrical Utility/Lineworker - C.A. estimated cost chart for a breakdown of tuition and fees.
Is funding available for the program?
You may be able to receive Financial Aid, which will apply toward the program. For
more information contact the Financial Aid office, 517-483-1200, option 1.
Divisional Scholarships are also available on a yearly basis, with applications being
accepted for the general scholarship in the January prior to applying for the program.
Is the Lineworker Program eligible for the GI Bill®?
Yes, it is eligible for the GI Bill®. For more information, please contact the Veteran
Affairs office.
What is the School-to-Work Program?
The School-to-Work Program is an opportunity to take your climbing courses with offsite
providers, such as Consumers Energy. The seats for this program are limited. Upon
successful completion of the program you will receive LCC’s certificate of achievement
plus have a potential opportunity to be hired with the provider.
What is the Great Lakes Center for Utility Training (GLCUT)?
The Great Lakes Center for Utility Training (GLCUT) program is LCC’s in-house climbing
school. It is structured very similar to our partner’s programs, and you will receive
LCC’s certificate of achievement upon successful completion of the required courses.
Where can I get the application?
Information about the application process will be available at the information session
in February/March. You must come to an information session in order to receive information
about the application for the program.
How can I find out about the information sessions?
Submit your contact information to be added to our mailing list. We will send a notice to your email when information sessions are available.
When is the application due?
Usually early April, depending on the date of the information sessions.
What requirements do I need to apply?
- Weigh less than 300 pounds (safety equipment)
- Have the ability to physically carry 50 pounds of tools
- Be willing to work at heights exceeding 60 feet
- Possess a high school diploma, GED or letter from current high school with expected graduation date
- Be 18 years old to participate in ELTE 270
- Be eligible for a Michigan Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Where do the line worker classes take place?
Most courses will be held at LCC’s West Campus.
If you are a part of the School-to-Work program, ELTE 270, 272, 274, 276 will be at
the Consumers Energy Marshall Training Center.
When do line worker classes start?
Summer Semester (typically July/early August) after program acceptance.
When do the line worker classes take place?
Academic course work is typically offered both daytime and evening to fit a variety
of work schedules. Some are online and/or self-paced. ELTE 272, 274 & 276 is 9-11
weeks of full-day climbing classes at the end of the program.
What if I have already taken courses at LCC?
If you have taken any of the courses on the Class Offering list other than the fitness
classes and passed with a minimum of 2.0 they will count toward your program credits
once you are accepted.
What if I have taken courses at another college?
If you have taken electrical classes or any classes that are similar to courses on
LCC’s Class Offering list you may receive LCC credit toward your Certificate or Associate
degree. Contact the Registrar’s Office at 517-483-1200, option 2 for more information
on sending over transcripts from another institution.
What happens when I complete the program?
You will receive a Certificate of Achievement from LCC after applying for it. If you
are a part of the School-to-Work program, you may receive a place in the Consumers
Energy hiring pool. There is no guarantee of employment or being placed in the hiring
pool upon completion.
If I am in the School-to-Work program, how long will it take to be hired by Consumers
after completing the program?
Consumers hires based on their budget and other factors. We cannot guarantee employment
with them.
If I am in the School-to-Work program and Consumers hires me, do I get to choose the
job location?
Consumers places you in a hiring pool based on a ranking scale. Jobs will be offered
to you as they become available, regardless of location. You may not get offered a
location that you desire.
Does LCC work with any other companies for job placement?
At this time, LCC is promoting our line worker program to local contractors, municipalities
and co-ops and will inform students of job opportunities that become available. LCC
cannot guarantee job placement.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
We want you in our classroom next semester
If you need direction on how to begin at LCC, let us know what's on your mind and what you need to get started. We've got a place waiting for you in the classroom that can lead you to a great career start. For specific information about our Utility Lineworker Program, contact us online today.

Contact Us
Utility & Energy Systems Program
Technical Careers Division
West Campus, Room M127
517-483-1570












